4.1 gear install for mustang GT.

[cawas]

Hey Guys, I'm going for my first mod ever on my 97 GT 5spd and I've decided on the 4.1 gears - especially because I dont do too much highway drving and love taking off fast at stoplights. My question is what tools/instruments do I need and what are the important things I need to keep in mind when I change my gears myself? I dont mind how much time it takes- but I want to do it myself and learn at the same time- I have worked on my car the last 4 months and the most intensive thing I've done is the pinion seal replacement -successfully. Are the gears much harder than this in difficulty level? If I apply myself and take my time I think I can do it- what do you guys think? Also, I would much appreciate anyone pointing me to a detailed article on this process -with lots of pictures preferably. Also, do you guys recommend that I get a new master bearing set as well with my new gears??? what if I buy used 4.1s?
I was thinking that once I get the gears done, I will get a steeda tri-ax short throw shifter to compliment them - do I need to get any other mods done when I change gears to 4.1s? My car is completely stock except for the K&N air filter and flowmaster exhaust. I also have 245/50/16 tires.
Thanks a lot in advance for the help and also thanks for the many useful suggesstions to my earlier posts.

 

[02 Sonic Blue]

hey man, i dont know if i would mess with a gear install if i were you. it is a pretty extensive project, and not something that you want to mess around with unless you really know what your doing. save yourself the time and hassle and have it installed by a shop... just my .02 cents

 

[Go HoTO!]

Do NOT do this yourself unless you are VERY mechanical and have someone working with you who has done it before. This job takes a pro 5 hours and you can screw it up badly.

 

[outlaww77]

PAY SOMEONE! OR YOU MAY COME OFF THE LITE REAL SLOOOOOW!

 

[Bob H]

 

[COramprat]

I've heard people do it themselves. Some good, some bad. My suggestion is to find a shop that is willing to let you help. Alot of guys will do side work on the weekends and that way the liability belongs to you if you should get hurt. In would in no way attempt this on my own. I would, at the very least, have someone with me that knows what is going on to show you what to do.

 

[twogts4us]

Agreed with all of the above! Pay a pro $200 bucks or so and have it done properly. Some things are just better left to a pro who already has the experience and proper tools.

 

[cawas]

thanks

thanks all you guys for the advice- ill get it done at the shop then. BTW, what else needs to be done to correct the speedo? is there a chip or another mod that needs to be done and where in the car is this done? if my understanding is correct, the RPMs still stay accurate but the speedometer reads 20mph over what it should actually read.
thanks again,
cawas.

 

[COramprat]

You can get a speedo gear but will still be about 10% off the actual speed. Best bet is to get a speed calibrator from Brother's or Dallas Mustang. The newer cars can be chiped to adjust the speedo but ours can't.

 

[Dark Knight GT]

Try www.brothersperformance.com for the speedcal. I think their are cheaper than Dallas Mustang but dont quote me on that. I also agree with the other guys, this is not something you should try yourself unless you know what you're doing. If that pinion depth or backlash is off by just 1/100th of an inch, you'll screw up the whole rear end of your car!